If there’s one meal that never fails to please everyone at the dinner table, it’s Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that feels indulgent yet effortless. The best part? It’s ready in less than 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
I love how versatile this recipe is. You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, and it still turns out delicious. Once, I swapped heavy cream for half-and-half and added a bit of spinach for extra greens—the result was still creamy and flavorful. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and juicy chicken makes every bite comforting and delicious. It’s one of those dishes that taste like something from your favorite Italian restaurant but made right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet tastes gourmet enough to serve guests. The creamy Parmesan sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while the chicken adds satisfying protein and texture. Plus, it’s highly customizable—add veggies, spice, or herbs to make it your own.
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Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavorful Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken tossed with Parmesan sauce and pasta for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- You can add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean, juicy, and quick to cook. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work wonderfully. Choose your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have available.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce base.
Garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and enhances the Parmesan flavor.
Heavy cream – Creates the creamy base of the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan cheese – The star ingredient that gives the sauce its signature cheesy and nutty flavor. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
Chicken broth – Helps thin the sauce slightly and adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
Olive oil – Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection before mixing it into the pasta.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Salt and black pepper – Enhance all the flavors and balance the richness of the dish.
Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Directions
- Prepare the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the cheese: Lower the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy that creamy perfection.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25–30 minutes total, including prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that still feels indulgent and homemade.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid overheating, as it may cause the sauce to separate. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, so enjoy it fresh when possible.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken Pasta
Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of color and nutrients.
Sun-Dried Tomato Twist
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the Parmesan perfectly.
Spicy Cajun Parmesan Pasta
Sprinkle in some Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to give your dish a gentle kick.
Mushroom Lovers’ Version
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth and a restaurant-style touch.
Lemon-Parmesan Variation
Stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, refreshing finish.
Bacon and Parmesan Fusion
Crispy bacon pieces add smoky crunch and a rich, salty contrast to the creamy sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just add it to the sauce during the final few minutes to heat through.
2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk or half-and-half are better options than skim milk.
3. What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are all great options that hold the creamy sauce well.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan and broth are certified gluten-free.
5. Why did my sauce turn grainy?
Overheating Parmesan can cause it to clump. Keep the heat low while whisking the cheese into the sauce.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—broccoli, spinach, or peas make great additions.
7. How can I make it more flavorful?
Use freshly grated Parmesan, real butter, and season well with salt and herbs.
8. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time, then make the sauce fresh before serving.
9. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut—just shred and toss it into the sauce.
10. What can I serve with Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements it perfectly.
Conclusion
Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your favorite add-ins, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen—a dish you’ll make again and again when you crave something easy, hearty, and delicious.
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